We often use advice handed down from family and friends when it comes to skin care, but some of that advice is actually bad for your skin. We look at some of the more popular myths and the truth behind them in this two part series.

1. Soap and water work just fine to clean your face. Using soap on your face actually does more harm than good. Not only will it dry out your skin, soap can cause rashes, especially if you rub with zest while removing makeup. Most soap has a similar pH found in detergents, which causes excessive dryness and skin tightness. Use a soy-based skin cleanser that gently removes dirt, makeup and bacteria without the harsh ingredients in soap.

2. Popping a pimple makes it disappear faster. This is totally false. In fact, popping a pimple can cause inflammation and scaring, which delays the healing process. Plus, it can create more pimples.

3. Toning is absolutely necessary in any skin care routine. Most people think using a skin toner after cleansing helps keep oil production at bay. The truth is using a toner strips your skin of protective oils. When this happens, your face produces even more oil. Skip the toner and head straight for the moisturizer after cleaning with a natural soy-based skin cleanser.

4. Moisturizers aren’t needed for oily skin. Your skin needs moisture on a daily basis, even if you suffer from oily skin. Just because you have oily skin doesn’t mean it’s properly hydrated. Skin needs moisturized to help keep it hydrated. Soy-based moisturizers are a great choice because they help skin elasticity, reduce blotchiness and discoloration, and control oil production without harsh chemicals. They are also full of antioxidants to combat the effects of the environment.

5. Acne is caused by dirt or the foods you eat. The truth is acne is caused by heredity and hormones. Excess sebum is produced by the oil glands in your skin. The sebum clogs the openings to hair follicles and bacteria grow in these clogged follicles, hence the appearance of blackheads or whiteheads. It has nothing to do with dirt on your face or the chocolate you consumed as a late night snack.